The National Park Service’s Golden Gate Trail Crew has been at it again! If you haven’t recently visited Tennessee Valley, then you’ve missed out on an incredible new improvement. Over the course of the summer, the National Park Service Trail Crew restored a portion of the Tennessee Valley Trail... more >>

Although Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO) volunteer hawkwatchers have been happily counting hawks since mid-August from their usual perch, the hawks really start pouring through in mid-September. So now is a perfect time to plan your trip to visit Hawk Hill—just across the Golden Gate Bridge!

A good hike is one that appeals to a child's sense of exploration and adventure. Make sure to look for discoveries along the trail and encourage kids to keep their eyes open for signs of wildlife and seasonal wildflowers! We found these three trails are full of discovery, easily accessible,... more >>

Most of us are aware that birds frequently vocalize. Some might find the sounds inspiring and soothing (scientific studies have shown that birdsong tends to make humans feel relaxed), or bothersome (a pesky house sparrow that begins bleating outside your bedroom window before dawn). Some sounds are distinctive (most people... more >>

Often when I use my smartphone to look up the subject of some insignificant curiosity, I have this feeling that surely there are no more believers of harmlessly romantic legends in this age of information.

Yet, time and again, I’ve been asked, with a hint of excitement, “Is it true that... more >>

California Coastal Cleanup Day is always a watershed event here in the Golden Gate National Parks. The reason? You! Our dedicated community of enthusiastic volunteers, motivated site captains, and generous sponsors is what makes this annual event such an incredible success every year.

Undoubtedly, the best place in California to view migrating raptors is Hawk Hill. Hoping to view some impressive birds of prey, you grab your binoculars and head up to the hill. While you are scanning the skies for hawks, a cloud of tiny birds zooms into view, filling your binocular... more >>

We’ve seen the statistics. For the first time in history, the majority of people now live in cities. What’s more, urbanization is rising rapidly, with today’s 3.5 billion city dwellers swelling to 5 billion in 2030 and 6.3 billion by 2050.

It’s August—one last chance for a big summer outing with the kids! Taking the family to an amusement park this summer can cost hundreds of dollars. Why not bring the gang out to the Golden Gate National Parks, where 80,000 acres of redwood groves, sandy beaches, rocky coastline, secluded coves,... more >>